Girlfriend, Girlfriend Episode 5 Review

Content

Episode 5 picks up with Rika confidently announcing her intent to join the Naoya girlfriend club. She believes her “stereotypical cuteness” is her ticket in. But Naoya, in a display of glaring hypocrisy, turns her down, subtly shaming her for basing romantic choices on appearances. This, coming from the guy who was instantly smitten with Nagisa based on her looks, is rich.

The bulk of the episode is a focus on Rika, or “Milika” in her online persona. Instead of exploring the dynamics of the existing trio or adding depth to the narrative, we watch Rika’s backyard escapades as she refuses to leave until Naoya agrees to date her. She films herself, aiming to earn from online views, while Naoya, Saki, and Nagisa observe without offering her any assistance or shelter.

By the end, Saki and Nagisa are back to their usual antics, clamoring for Naoya’s attention while he’s in the bath. Their main concern? That he continues to notice them, even if he decides to let Rika into their already convoluted relationship.

Opinions / Analysis

I have nothing to say except for the fact that I’m shocked that Rika is going so hard for a mid-tier dude that she doesn’t even like. Really, what’s the point? She has money and a whole career. What is she trying so hard for?

And it’s really sad that Nagisa and Saki have to ask their “boyfriend” to pay them attention.